that cannot be allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that cannot be allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is unacceptable or prohibited in a given context. Example: "The use of offensive language in the workplace is behavior that cannot be allowed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Remember that, cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

For many reasons, that cannot be allowed to happen.

The Guardian

It is a legal situation that cannot be allowed to continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the sake of the Hudson, and rivers elsewhere in America, that cannot be allowed to happen.

The New York Times

"This state has a festering cancer of racism and sexism in a state agency that cannot be allowed to exist".

The New York Times

BRIARCLIFF MANOR - "THAT cannot be allowed to happen!" Bryna Rogers declared adamantly in the small reading room of the public library here one recent morning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

We believe that this cannot be allowed to continue, and we are not the only ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

I believe I speak for many Americans when I say that this cannot be allowed to mean discussing childhood poverty on a cable TV talk show.

The New York Times

Hilary Benn, the Labour MP who chairs the committee, said: "Having taken a wide range of evidence on the implications of a no-deal Brexit, the committee is clear that this cannot be allowed to happen.

The Guardian

And that is why Ofcom is determined that Sky cannot be allowed an effective monopoly of that content, no matter that it has achieved that position through being an enterprising and well-run business.

The Guardian

And that has heightened the biggest concern of all: that banks are so systemically important that they cannot be allowed to go under.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that cannot be allowed", ensure the context clearly defines what is unacceptable and why, strengthening the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "that cannot be allowed" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler, more direct phrases in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that cannot be allowed" functions as a judgmental statement expressing strong disapproval or prohibition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, reinforcing its role in conveying something as unacceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that cannot be allowed" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or prohibition. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and applicability in written English are validated through real-world examples from reliable sources. While considered grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon; it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts like news and opinion pieces where emphasizing the unacceptability of something is paramount. Alternatives like "that is unacceptable" or "that is forbidden" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that cannot be permitted

Similar in meaning, this alternative emphasizes the act of permitting and its denial.

that is prohibited

Emphasizes the formal or legal prohibition of something.

that is unacceptable

Focuses on the lack of acceptance or approval of something.

that is impermissible

Indicates that something is not allowed, often in a formal setting.

that will not be tolerated

Stresses the lack of tolerance for a particular action or behavior.

that is forbidden

Directly states that something is prohibited.

that must not happen

Emphasizes prevention and necessity to avoid a situation.

that is not an option

Presents something as not being a viable choice or possibility.

that is inadmissible

Highlights the idea that something is not permitted or acceptable, often in a formal or legal context.

that is out of the question

Indicates that something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

FAQs

How can I use "that cannot be allowed" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to express strong disapproval or prohibition. For example: "The spread of misinformation is a trend "that cannot be allowed" to continue."

What are some alternatives to "that cannot be allowed"?

You can use alternatives like "that is unacceptable", "that is forbidden", or "that is prohibited" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "that cannot be allowed"?

This phrase is suitable for formal contexts where you want to strongly emphasize that something is unacceptable or must not occur. It is common in news, opinion pieces, and formal statements.

What's the difference between "that cannot be allowed" and "that should not be allowed"?

"That cannot be allowed" expresses a stronger prohibition than "that should not be allowed". The former implies a definitive and non-negotiable stance, while the latter suggests a recommendation or preference.